Greenness Assessment of Pharmaceutical Processes and Technology

A similar method proposed by Hoffmann [26] involves analyzing process alternatives based on two indices. The total armuabzed profit per service unit (TAPPS) and material intensity per service unit (MIPS) are calculated as economic and environmental factors, respectively. TAPPS is used to calculate the maximum profit per unit of product produced. MIPS is used to calculate the number of input and output streams in a process. MIPS was used based on the knowledge that a global reduction in material streams (solvents, reactants,) is necessary to lead toward sustainable development. TAPPS and MIPS are determined for several process alternatives, which are analyzed using a Pareto Chart for their feasibihty within a plant. However, MIPS does not account for the release of toxic solvents and reagents into the environment. Therefore it has been noted that it should be used in conjunction with LCA and other methods to avoid the use of highly toxic solvents and other raw materials [26]. 

In each of the previously mentioned methods lies the possibility for improving the greenness and efficiency of existing and developing processes. This can lead to the reduction and elimination of hazardous solvents, improved process yields, and lower operation costs. However, it is important to note that each method requires a significant amount of data in order to evaluate a pharmaceutical process and appropriate process alternatives. To date, there is not an all-inclusive method that accounts for every possible environmental, human safety, and economic factor of interest. 

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